Unexpected Delivery

Chapter 1

Chapter One

Arbor

D riving from Arizona to southern Maine while thirty-eight weeks pregnant has to be one of the dumbest things I’ve done yet, and I’ve made some poor decisions in my lifetime. That would be how I got tangled up with Adam. He seemed nice enough when we first started dating, but reality caught up pretty quickly.

A heavy sigh slips out as I lean over the vanity in the run-down cabin.

My eyes catch in the mirror, and I grimace when I spot the pink and purple remnants of the bruise on my cheek.

I swear that thing is taking its sweet time to heal. It’s been the better part of two weeks, and it’s still visible. I think pregnancy has slowed down my healing time or something. Experience tells me it’ll be gone within a few days, but for now, I hate looking at my own face.

It doesn’t matter.

I’m free.

Even if the place where I landed leaves a lot to be desired, it’s better than being treated how I was.

The water that pours from the sink as I wash my hands is almost painfully cold.

I’m from the West Coast.

Maine is something I was unprepared for, but my friend, Becky, gave me the keys to her grandparents’ cabin. I had nowhere else to go, so I ended up here. And even if it’s not ideal, it’s still a blessing. She told me I didn’t need to pay rent or worry about the power or utilities until I’m able to get back on my feet after the baby is born.

I shuffle into the living room, and something small and fuzzy scurries across the floor. An embarrassing squeal leaves my lips as I jolt.

Oh, God.

There are mice.

Huh.

I guess I do have roommates. I wonder if they’d be open to splitting the bills.

I spend several days recuperating from the grueling drive across the country while doing my best to clean up any lingering dust and cobwebs. Luckily, the place is fully furnished, and it was left in decent condition, even if no one has lived here in years.

Becky went above and beyond by having her friend, Meridith, come out to handle getting the water, gas, and electricity turned on. I’ve never lived somewhere where bursting water pipes could be a concern, but I got the whole cold-weather living safety course from Meridith and her wife when I first made it in. Even though it must have been a huge hassle for them to come all the way out to the cabin, they were friendly and kind and immediately set me at ease.

I wish they were neighbors who lived close by. At least then I would have a friendly face within walking distance. The cabin is way more remote than anywhere I’ve lived before, and it makes me a little nervous. I’m used to being able to make it to multiple neighbors’ houses within a three-minute walk.

The food I brought with me is beginning to dwindle, meaning I have no choice but to make a trip into town.

It’s not far, but driving on snow and ice is scary when I don’t have any prior experience. They salt the roads regularly, and they’re very good about plowing even down the street where the cabin is. The first morning I woke up to the sound, I had no idea what was happening, but it helps make me feel safer. At least I have confidence I’ll be able to get the baby to and from doctor appointments.

The first grocery store I find is nice, if a little small, but it gets the job done, and I manage to load the back seat with groceries and diapers without incident.

Nothing is easy with a nine-month pregnant belly, but I climb in, get myself situated, and start the car.

Or rather, I try to.

The sputters and weird distressed cranking sound I’m met with don’t seem like good signs.

My head rests against the steering wheel as I give it a chance to sit for a minute or two.

That might fix it, right?

It doesn’t.

Not the next time I try either.

Tears well in my eyes, and I mentally pump myself up to get out and see if I can find someone who might be willing to help.

It’s a small town.

There have to be Good Samaritans around…

God, I hope there are.

I need a win.

No, stop that. You’re alive. You escaped. This is nothing compared to being stuck with him.

It’s not, and I know that. I’m just exhausted. Life has been pretty consistently kicking my ass recently.

I sold my car before leaving Arizona. I didn’t want to. I loved that car, but I needed the money.

Becky gifted me this vehicle—just handed over the title when she gave me the keys to the cabin. It’s not in the best condition, but it’s the nicest thing anyone’s done for me in a long time.

Once I get on my feet, I’m going to pay her back. Without her and her pack helping, I never would have made a clean escape.

I try to start the car one more time while saying a prayer to the universe to just give me a break. All I need is one thing to go my way, and I’ll be able to keep my optimism intact. It doesn’t work, so I stretch down to pop the hood and brave the cold once more.

I’m in the process of closing the door when a huge man approaches from the side of the shopping center that has a sign for a gym. His hair is in a blondish-brown bun on top of his head, and his face is covered with a fuzzy beard. He seems a little underdressed for the frigid temperatures in what looks like a white long sleeve T-shirt, an open zip-up hoodie, and workout pants.

I have to crane my neck up to keep sight of his blue eyes as he comes closer.

“That didn’t sound good.” He chuckles, nodding to the car. “Did you pop the hood?”

“Y-Yeah,” I reply, running my hand over my stomach. He has an easy smile, but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a man as large as he is. I take a tentative step back, and my backside bumps the car mirror. “How tall are you?”

“Six-seven.” He chuckles that same deep, rumbly sound again . “I get asked that a lot. Not usually before names are exchanged, but yeah, it comes up a lot.” He holds out a hand. “Morris.”

“Arbor,” I say, giving his hand a shake. My face burns, and I’m not sure if it’s from the cold or pure embarrassment.

He’s right.

That was an inappropriate question.

It’s just…he’s huge.

“Christ, you’re frozen. Where are your gloves? You need to bundle up. It’s the middle of winter.”

I blink repeatedly as my heart races.

It’s been so long that I can’t remember the last time someone took notice or cared about my well-being.

“Why don’t you head into the gym? Tell Hayes you’re with me. He’ll let you soak up the heat.” He moves to pop the hood. “Just leave your keys. I might need them.”

I was hoping for small-town hospitality, but this guy is taking things to the extreme. “Do you know what might be wrong with it?”

“Aww, shit.” He reaches into his pocket, pulls out a wallet, and moves closer while holding out a business card. I take it. “Morris and Sons. It’s just down the street. I’m the grandson, but it’s been in the family for generations. I guess I’m the Morris on the card now—just no sons.” He shrugs. “Give me a few minutes, and I’ll see what I can do.”

I study the card for the auto repair shop. If anyone can help, it’ll be him. “Thank you so much.”

He nods. “The wind is cutting. The last thing you need is to catch a cold. Head inside or at least get back in the car.” That wasn’t a bark, but it’s clear he’s an alpha. And not just due to his massive size; the low, growly tone of his voice sends my body into motion, and I scramble toward the gym.

The cold here is way more intense than I’m used to, and I won’t turn down a little heat while I wait.

The gym isn’t just filled with exercise equipment, like I expect it to be. There are weights, treadmills, and other machines I don’t know the name for on the right of the entryway, while a boxing ring takes up the entire left side of the spacious building.

I mean, I think that’s what it is.

A few guys stand around outside of it, watching the two men inside the ropes go at it.

Maybe I should have waited in the car.

An intake desk takes up most of the space across from the door I came in, but it’s empty. Glancing around, I eye the two chairs on this side of the wall that closes in the check-in area. Sitting would be considerably more comfortable than standing, and I’m in the process of pumping myself up to head for them when one of the guys outside the ring whistles.

“Hayes! You’ve got a visitor.” He jerks a thumb in my direction.

Hayes… That’s who Mr. Morris mentioned.

The guys in the ring separate, and the taller man tosses aside the pads he’s holding and pulls out a mouthpiece. He has thick curly brown hair that’s a few inches long on top and shorter on the sides.

Laughing, he says something to the other man and climbs through the ropes.

A squeak fills the air from my flats as I take off for the chairs and carefully lower myself into one.

Every time I sit down lately, I get shooting pains in my cervix. It’s hell, but my last doctor told me it was normal. I plant my hands in my lap, and there’s still no hope of hiding my massive baby belly.

“Uh, hey. Can I help you with something?” the guy who must be Hayes asks, scratching his short brown beard. His long sleeve T-shirt is ringed in sweat, and my nose twitches.

Hayes is an alpha.

There’s no doubt about that.

His physical size gives him away, but so does his scent. He ended what must have been a strenuous workout to come greet me because even his hair is sweaty.

Not to mention, his pheromones are everywhere, and his smell is indescribable.

My nose tugs me forward slightly as my mouth waters, and I huff hits of pheromones.

My face heats.

Oh my god.

I’m like a million months pregnant.

There is no reason my system should be infatuated with how his sweat smells. The scent almost reminds me of the weather right before a bad storm, but if someone had asked me what that smells like before today, I wouldn’t have had a clue how to describe it.

Little crinkles appear at the edges of his deep blue eyes as he studies me. There’s no way he knows I was salivating about his scent, but my cheeks still burn.

Right… He asked me a question.

Refocusing my attention, I point toward the door, although I have no idea why. “My car wouldn’t start, and I met someone named Mr. Morris. He said I could wait in here while he tried to get it running?” It comes out as a question, and my hands fidget for no good reason.

“Of course you can hang out,” he finally says. “Do you want a bottle of water? We also have sports drinks, like Powerade, or coffee, but it’s not decaf.”

“I’m fine, thank you,” I say, praying this conversation ends quickly.

My instincts urge me to tackle him, so I can rub my face all over his sweaty T-shirt, which is so inappropriate that my cheeks burn even hotter.

What is wrong with you?

“Well, I’m Hayes. I’ll be around. If you need anything, just holler.” He gives a tight smile as his gaze drops to my stomach once more.

“Thanks. Arbor.” I point at my chest. “Sorry, it’s a unique name, so I always clarify.”

“It’s a beautiful name.” He smiles, and his deep blue eyes sparkle. “Anyway, let me know if you need anything.”

He steps around the small wall that encloses the entryway, and I sigh.

Wow, way to make a first impression.

I almost snort.

That fine hunk of man wouldn’t look twice at me. Not that I need to worry about dating or courting anytime soon. I have way more important things to focus on, like setting up a proper future for me and the baby.

Mr. Morris comes to find me a short while later. He managed to get the car running, but he makes it clear I need to bring it into the shop as soon as possible.

The drive home is uneventful, although I have major worries about if it’ll start the next time I need it. That would be a nightmare, considering the number of things I don’t have yet.

I shamelessly took everything Adam and I had bought for the baby. It wasn’t much, though, and I need to do some emergency shopping over the next few days.

If Adam was a good guy, I’d feel bad about purposely keeping him from his child, but I’m not risking him putting his hands on our baby the way he has with me.

I saw a video about shaken baby syndrome, and the woman sobbed as she admitted she knew her husband had a temper. She just never thought he would hurt their son.

She was wrong.

It felt a little too close to my situation, and eventually, my brain started obsessing about if it could be some warning from the universe. That alone solidified my resolve to get out.

It took months of saving and planning, but it was worth it. I managed to get away while Adam was out of state on some bullshit trip with his friends.

I never dreamed it would take so long to find an escape window, but I played it safe—only leaving when I knew he wouldn’t be around to stop me—and it paid off.

Adam’s family is wealthy. I’m sure he’ll use every resource at his disposal to track me down. My breathing quickens as panic sets in at the thought. There are benefits to not having the house or the car in my name. Becky did give me the signed title, but I haven’t gone through the process to register it in my name. There’s not much I can do about the hospital or doctor’s visits.

All I can hope is that Adam will give up and move on. I ran more than halfway across the country. I just pray it was far enough.